HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — The Tampa City Council is scheduled to discuss a proposal for entering into a financial support agreement with the state that would enhance efforts to investigate fentanyl distribution.

The program, known as S.A.F.E. (State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication), is a collaborative initiative between the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and local law enforcement bodies. FDLE's Mark Brutnell reports that the initiative has already achieved significant success in Florida, having confiscated 100 pounds of fentanyl.

Brutnell detailed the benefits of S.A.F.E., which includes compensating local agencies for overtime spent on fentanyl investigations, as well as funding the acquisition of new equipment and the implementation of sophisticated strategies to target major traffickers. "Our primary targets are those bringing large amounts of this dangerous drug into our state, rather than individuals with smaller amounts," he noted.

The program is designed to alleviate the financial pressures of conducting in-depth drug investigations, allowing agencies to pursue thorough inquiries without the stress of funding. "Investigations are resource-intensive and costly. This initiative ensures that local departments can undertake these necessary actions without financial strain," Brutnell explained.

Recent successes under this program include a major bust last month in Polk County, where funding from S.A.F.E. aided in arresting four suspects and seizing 14 kilograms of fentanyl, valued at $3.5 million.

"The positive outcomes we've seen have prompted Tampa PD to apply for funds to support a major ongoing investigation," Brutell shared, highlighting the initiative’s effectiveness and the strong support it has garnered among local law enforcement agencies.